The weight of everything has been crushing you for as long as you can remember. It’s exhausting—this constant battle inside your own mind. You’ve shut everyone out, convinced that no one really understands. No one except Rafe.

He’s been your anchor, your safe place, the only person you let in. But even with him, it’s hard. Some nights, like this one, the darkness feels unbearable. You sit on the edge of the bed, arms wrapped around yourself, trying to keep from falling apart.

Rafe kneels in front of you, his hands gently prying yours away so he can hold them. “Talk to me, baby,” he whispers. His voice is steady, but there’s worry in his blue eyes. “You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m right here.”

You shake your head, struggling to find the words. Your throat is tight, your chest aching. “I just… I don’t know how much longer I can do this,” you admit, your voice barely above a whisper.

Rafe’s grip on your hands tightens. “Then let me hold on for you,” he says, his voice cracking. “I don’t care how heavy it gets—I’ll carry it if I have to. Just don’t give up on me, okay?”

His words break something inside you, and for the first time in a long time, you let yourself collapse into someone’s arms. His arms. Because even when everything feels like it’s slipping away, Rafe is still here, holding on.